Knights go Back to the Juniors

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The nib Newcastle Knights will visit 12 junior clubs on Tuesday (June 20) afternoon, as the Club participates in the NRL’s fourth annual ‘Back to Juniors’ program.

The Back to the Juniors concept aims to link the NRL, NRL clubs, referees and state leagues with grassroot volunteers, in order to recognise and support the great work they do each week for the code’s 175,000 junior league players.

“This initiative is vitally important to junior Rugby League clubs in and around Newcastle, as it not only connects the Knights to the community but it shows the aspiring young footballers that there is a local pathway,” Lyndon Sheppard NRL Game Development Officer – Central Hunter NSW said.

“Local products such as Sione Mata’utia, Sam Stone and Dylan Pythian were once like these youngsters with stars in their eyes dreaming of being a Knights player.”

More than 35 players will simultaneously visit clubs from Valentine, to Raymond Terrace, Toronto and many junior clubs in between.

“The Knights are giving these clubs a massive boost by showing the kids, the parents and all the volunteers in their respective clubs that they care for the local area and the local Rugby League community,” Sheppard added.

“For many of these kids this could well be a highlight of their season and keep their passion for the game alive to keep them continuing to our play our game.”

The visits will go from approximately 4.30pm – 5.30pm and will include a helping hand, a kick of the footy, autographs and photos.